Summary:In a time of heroes, the mighty warrior Beowulf slays the monster Grendel and incurs the wrath of its monstrous yet seductive mother, in a conflict that transforms a king into a legend. (Paramount Pictures)

It's got power and depth, and two kings whose greatness is diluted by hubris, and a thrilling dragon fight, and the demon Grendel as a tortured outcast, and a naked monster who looks a lot like Angelina Jolie.

Although this version of Beowulf (the script, ricocheting between thrilling, heroic, and hilarious, is by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary) does take some liberties with certain heretofore undreamed of aspects of parentage, it's as faithful to the extant version as it needs to be.

The 3-D is necessary to the film only in so far as it keeps your eyes engaged when your mind starts to wander. Stripped of much of the original poem’s language, its cadences, deep history and context, this film version of Beowulf doesn’t offer much beyond 3-D oohs and ahs, sword clanging and a nicely conceived dragon, which probably explains why Mr. Zemeckis and his collaborators have tried to sex it up with Ms. Jolie, among other comic-book flourishes.

The most interesting thing about Beowulf, alas, is its technology. It's the work of a man who has fallen in love with his toys, but I miss the wicked satirist who made "Used Cars." And the truth is the motion capture in Beowulf comes across as an unsatisfying compromise between animation and live action.

The animation and the story are incredible. Definitely one of the best movies ever made. I can't wait to watch it again. One of those moviesThe animation and the story are incredible. Definitely one of the best movies ever made. I can't wait to watch it again. One of those movies that make the real world so boring for a few days after you watch it.…Expand

You don't go to movies like Troy, 300 and Beowulf for a perfectly scripted, deep original story. You go for the glory, the epic scope You don't go to movies like Troy, 300 and Beowulf for a perfectly scripted, deep original story. You go for the glory, the epic scope and the sheer beauty of the art. You go for the battles, the over the top love stories and the universal connection. They're kind of what I imagine musicals must be for girls...kind of cheesy yes but that's beside the point. This movie delivered above and beyond in every category I went to it for. Beauty, passion, excitement, epic battles and a timeless epic story. People that complain about the plot forget that it's based on (and an an improvement on in my opinion) an ancient story that's really pretty straight forward. If you want a sweet unique touching movie go see Lars and the Real Girl. If you want an balls to the wall, sexy as hell, blood and guts thrill ride go see Beowulf. You won't be disappointed!!…Expand

After reading the poem and then watching the film, I have to say I'm pretty impressed with how the story of Beowulf is being adapted After reading the poem and then watching the film, I have to say I'm pretty impressed with how the story of Beowulf is being adapted from the Old English Tale to the big screen although there are some inaccuraccies. This brings me to my pro/con list: Pro - The Characters are being well played. Gives a decent sense of action and power Con - 30% Inaccurate because: A) I don't really remember any part of the Tale having Grendel's mother seducing Beowulf. B) The battle of Beowulf vs. Grendel's mother was skipped and instead was replaced with her seducing the warrior. C) In the tale version, Grendel kills one of Beowulf's sleeping Geats. That's is when Beowulf comes in and fight the beast. In the film version, Grendel comes in and nearly kills everyone, and Beowulf comes in after that. Overall: It's really decent how they put Beowulf on screen. But the director added / deleted stuff off the story and that pretty much makes it inaccurate. All in all, Beowulf gets a 7 out of 10.…Expand

Stunning visuals. I'm amazed how far the technology has come and imagine where it will be in a few years. Its impact on the economics Stunning visuals. I'm amazed how far the technology has come and imagine where it will be in a few years. Its impact on the economics and traditional production of film-making will be resounding. The only serious flaw I care to dwell on also concerns the CGI. For all its achievements with realism, its still cannot replicate pathos or any of the subtler shades of feeling that constitute fine dramas. Characters appear sallow, their faces and eyes lack vitality, and their interactions are distant.…Expand

It's a cartoon - if you go from that premise it's not too bad. I thought some of the scenes were in poor taste early on which took It's a cartoon - if you go from that premise it's not too bad. I thought some of the scenes were in poor taste early on which took away from the story which was okay to watch. A little better editing would have helped out some. The format has promise.…Expand